As you probably know, Ulysse Nardin will no longer be exhibiting at Baselworld and will instead be part of the Geneva-based show, the SIHH – alongside all the Richemont brands, many independents and the other Kering-owned brand, Girard-Perregaux. Thus, we bring you the first piece of pre-SIHH piece of news related to Ulysse Nardin. Ahead of their inaugural attendance at the show, the brand has already unveiled 2 new watches: the elegant, restrained and refined Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture with an enamel and guilloche dial, and the Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Pin-Up, an automaton and striking watch. Read on for all the details.

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture Enamel

The first watch introduced as a pre-SIHH novelty by Ulysse Nardin is a favorite of us here at Monochrome. Why? Well, the Classico Manufacture combines many attributes. First, there’s the case, elegantly shaped, with a classical and discreet look, a 40mm diameter, not too large but with enough presence on the wrist, and nicely designed lugs for a bit of originality. The case is in steel, which is always good for the wallet and for an understated look. It also comes with an in-house movement, the Calibre UN-320, an automatic engine with silicium hairspring and anchor escapement (Ulysse Nardin has been a pioneer in the use of silicium, with the Freak), 48h of power reserve and a nice execution. Overall, a very appealing package.

For the SIHH 2017, the manufacture adds another of its pillars to this watch: a finely crafted dial. Created by the Ulysse Nardin company, Donzé Cadrans, specialists in the fine art of enameling, the Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture now features a “Grand Feu” enamel dial in a striking blue color (again, a hallmark of the brand). On a guilloche plate, with a radiant wave pattern, translucent enamal is applied and oven-fired, to obtain this unique and superb look, where the pattern is visible under the translucid blue coating. it is complemented by a blue alligator strap.

The Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Pin-Up

The second pre-SIHH 2017 novelty introduced by Ulysse Nardin uses two themes dear to the brand: striking / automaton watches and erotic inspiration. Don’t be fooled by its apparently simple appearance though, this watch is a complex piece of engineering. First of all, as indicated by its name “Hourstriker”, it features a rare complication that strikes the hours and half-hours, whether on demand (by pressing the push-button at 4) or every passing hour and half-hour. The function can be disengaged by pressing the second push-button at 2 o’clock. This Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Pin-Up comes in a 43mm case, with the traditional design of the brand, in a choice of pink gold or platinum (limited to 28 pieces overall).

The second interesting feature of this watch is the dial, with a micro-painting depicting a burlesque dancer and peacocks. “This charming and delicate figure gazes seductively out at the viewer, posing in her high heel sandals with a flower in her hair and her modesty barely hidden by the colorful explosion of peacock feathers” says Ulysse Nardin. This type of micro-painting is a time-consuming process that requires between 50 and 90 hours to complete. The best is that these applied figures are jaquemarts, meaning automatons linked to the striking function. When the striking mechanism is activated, the left peacock moves, revealing the attributes of this young lady on the dial (a function that can be disengaged of course…).

The 5-year warranty offered by Ulysse Nardin

The Swiss watchmaker is making an interesting move by offering an extended 5-year-warranty on all newly-purchased timepieces. From the 1st of January, every single watch of the Swiss manufacturer will carry this Ulysse Nardin guarantee of quality. In order to benefit from the 5-year-warranty, the owner must register his or her new Ulysse Nardin timepiece within a year of purchase on the website.